The Philadelphia Zoo is America's oldest zoological institution that takes pride in its history of firsts.  Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, President and CEO, exemplifies more firsts for the organization including serving as the first woman and first African American woman to hold the top leadership role. She describes how this urban Chicago introvert grew to love nature on her parents' front porch. She is candid about her personal interests which she realized in school did not include remote camping or field work, and the early and long hours of zookeeping.  Rather, her work has largely focused on the people side of the preservation equation, by connecting with diverse audiences through conservation and education.  

 

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